In this blog, we present OnTheGoSolo’s top 5 “Ultimate Bucket List” destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. If you crave adventure and love exploring nature’s most stunning landscapes, this list is for you. We’ve carefully selected world-class locations that promise unforgettable experiences that will inspire you. So if your idea of a great vacation is trekking through rugged, untamed landscapes, sitting quietly and observing worlds you’ve never seen before, or staring in wonder at the power and grandeur of nature, this is the list for you. Each destination is uniquely beautiful and guaranteed to rekindle your passion for the great outdoors.

Note: The links at the end of each description take you to a Viator tourism site where you can book the related tour or find a different one that’s better suited to your tastes. We here at OnTheGoSolo.com make a small commission off of every booking that arises from your link click, so by purchasing tickets in this way, you’re helping to keep our site up and running. Thanks!

The destinations below are sorted alphabetically, not by rank, so the fifth entry is just as amazing as the first.

Alaska’s Northern Lights

Alaska’s Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon best observed in Alaska from September to April. The display is truly mesmerizing to behold, as bands of green, pink, and purple lights undulate across the night sky. For a first-time observer, one of the most amazing parts of the show is how fast the bands move. Most nights, there’s nothing subtle about the shift of the lights. What you see is a very rapid fluctuation in the bands, like someone waving a huge banner on a windy day. The outskirts of Fairbanks, located in the north-central part of Alaska, are a prime viewing spot for the show, due to their clear, dark skies and general lack of light pollution. This awe-inspiring spectacle draws travelers from around the globe, offering a magical experience that highlights the pristine beauty of Alaska’s wilderness.

Insider’s Note: Each year, a sizeable number of tourists head to Alaska in June and July expecting to see the Northern Lights. Although the sun does set during these months in most parts of Alaska (anywhere south of the Arctic Circle, to be exact), it’s not unusual in many places for the sky to very slowly transition from dusk directly into dawn without ever becoming inky black. As such, it’ll never be dark enough to see the Lights at this time of the year. Around Fairbanks, the Northern Lights become clearly visible around August 20th or so.

Booking Information: If you’re interested in seeing the Lights, we recommend combining it with a trip to Chena Hot Springs, 55 miles north of Fairbanks. Click the following link to find out more: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs Tour from Fairbanks.

Australian Outback

Australian Outback

The Australian Outback, a vast, remote interior region, offers a rugged and captivating landscape characterized by red deserts, unique wildlife, and indigenous culture. Iconic landmarks include Uluru (Ayers Rock), a massive sandstone monolith sacred to the Aboriginal people, and the sprawling MacDonnell Ranges. Activities range from exploring ancient rock art and participating in bushwalks to experiencing authentic outback stations (ranches) and spotting kangaroos, emus, and dingoes. The Outback’s clear night skies are perfect for stargazing. This untamed wilderness invites adventurers to immerse themselves in Australia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Insider’s Note: The Outback is a vast, sparsely populated, and unforgiving place so unless you’re highly experienced in all aspects of backcountry exploration—including off-road navigation, first aid treatment, threat assessment, weather forecasting, and vehicle repair—we recommend leaving the logistics of your journey to the local experts. There’s so much to see and do in the interior, you’ll miss out on the big picture if you’re forced to focus on the minutiae like engine performance, map reading, and weather monitoring.

Booking Information: If you’re a honeymooning couple, a recent retiree, a new college graduate, or anyone interested in joining an epic, ultra-luxurious adventure exploring the heart of the Outback, the following tour might be of interest: Alice Springs, Uluru Ayers Rock & Kings Canyon 8 Days Touring Package.

Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands, an Ecuadorian archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are famed for their unique and diverse wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the islands host a wide variety of species, including some found nowhere else on Earth, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. A wide range of tours allow visitors to explore the islands on foot and in the water through guided walks, snorkeling, and diving excursions. Key attractions include the Charles Darwin Research Station, Tortuga Bay, and the volcanic landscapes of Isabela Island. The Galapagos’ pristine environment and extraordinary biodiversity make it a premier destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.

Booking Information: If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience the Galapagos from the land and the sea, the following boat/walking/snorkeling tour includes views of undisturbed wetlands and a huge range of wildlife: Day Tour to Isabela Island with Tintorera Islet.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. Re-discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, panoramic mountain views, and terraced fields. Energetic visitors can reach the site via the Inca Trail, a challenging multi-day walk through breathtaking jungle landscapes. Less gung-ho visitors can come in by train from Cusco in about three hours. Key highlights of the site include the Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. But perhaps the most impressive view is the one looking out and down as it really gives you a sense of how much work it must have taken to build such a spectacular and imposing complex so high up on a narrow mountain plain 400 years before modern construction equipment. Machu Picchu remains a symbol of Peru’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance and is a must-see for anyone visiting South America.

Insider’s Note: Of all of the Bucket List items we reviewed for this article, this is the one that we think is most likely to be all but ruined in the near future due to the pressures of over-tourism at the site. As recently as 10 years ago, visitors could take a trip to Machu Picchu and wander around any area of the site alone, coming and going and staying as long as they liked. Beginning in 2024, all guests must now be part of a tour led by a local guide and each tour must be completed within 2 hours. In addition, the tour must follow one of 5 different carefully laid out circuits of the grounds, so free wandering is forbidden. Some tourism officials have even called for the gradual phase-out of the tour circuits altogether, in favor of the creation of a large viewing platform overlooking the grounds and visitors no longer allowed to set foot on the actual site. So if you’re dreaming of visiting Machu Picchu, best to do it sooner rather than later.

Booking Information: Although it’s not cheap and makes for a very long day excursion, this tour is an excellent way to visit Machu Picchu in style. The first half of the trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu is covered by bus; the second half is via a Peru Rail Vistadome train that allows you to really take in the scenery and get a sense of how isolated the site is from the rest of civilization. If you’re interested, check out the following link: Machu Picchu Tour Full Day by Vistadome Train.

Patagonia

Patagonia

Located in the southern end of the South American continent and comprised of parts of Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Known for its dramatic landscapes, this vast area features towering granite peaks, massive glaciers, icy blue lakes, and windswept plains. Iconic sites like Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park and Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park attract visitors from around the world. Whether trekking, wildlife watching, preparing for an Antarctic cruise, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery, Patagonia offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and adventure in one of the world’s most pristine and stunning environments.

Insider’s Note: Patagonia is huge, covering roughly 1 million square kilometers (or about 1 1/2 times the size of Texas), but is one of the least populated and least developed places on Earth. So if you’re planning a visit, give yourself a lot of time to get to the destinations you want to see. Or consider planning a series of trips, each focusing on a specific area or national park. 

Booking Information: If you’re interested in exploring Patagonia, the following tour might be right up your alley as it includes visits to Los Glaciares, Torres del Paine, and Tierra del Fuego National Parks. Click the link to find out more: 13-Day Best of Patagonia Tour